Two Suns in the Sky, 2012 Prediction.

Imagine, if one day you were looking at the sky and suddenly see two suns. It kind of sounds like the film Star Wars, directed by George Lucas. However, a group of Australian astronomers predicted the strange thing is probably not a myth anymore, because the natural phenomenon is believed to occur in 2012.

The expectation was made by a Physics Lecturer from the University of Southern Queensland in Australia, Dr. Brad Carter. But, how can there be two suns, as the sun is the only entity that exists in the solar system?
According to Dr. Carter, the sun’s ‘twin’ is super giant red star in the Orion constellation. It is the ninth most bright star in the sky when seen at night. This star was named Betelgeuse. The Arabs first called Betelgeuse as ‘Yad al-Jauza’ which means  ‘Jauza’s hands’. It was later changed to the Onion.

However, in medieval times, one of the letters was misread, causing it to be called as Bedalgeuse. Then, in the Renaissance, the name changed again to be the name that is used today.
Although the star is aged still young, but it experiencs a quick evolution process. This has caused it to be categorized as an old star even though it’s still a few million years old. It’s fast ‘death’ process will also cause it to explode into a supernova.

 
If the explosion happens, it will burn and produce a very bright light. Estimated, the resulting light is probably 10 million times brighter than the Sun.

Extraordinary rays are then approaching Earth, and that is when we will see there are two suns. With the light, the earth will still be bright even at night and this unique phenomenon can be seen for several months before it disappears from view.
If true it is as predicted, this certainly is a strange experience a little scary. But, is it true Betelgeuse will explode as expected? Coincidentally, next year is the last year in the Maya calendar.

 (Kiky Pramanasari, various sources)